The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has reopened a decades-old investigation into the homicide of a Santa Barbara man, according to spokesperson Raquel Zick.

The remains of Mitchell “Buster” Garcia were found in the mountains above Santa Barbara in February 1988, Zick said.

Garcia lived in the city of Santa Barbara at the time of his death.

“An anthropological examination was conducted and determined Garcia’s death involved foul play,” she added.

Detectives are searching for any information from the public about Garcia, “his activities at the time, or the circumstances surrounding his death,” she said.

Anyone with information about him or his death can reach out to the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 805.681.4150. 

Anonymous tips can be sent to 805.681.4171 or tips@sbsheriff.org.